Walking beside patients through the unknown: Meet oncology nurse navigator Jared Ediger

DENVER, Colo. — For Jared Ediger, becoming a nurse, and specifically an oncology nurse navigator, was shaped by human connection long before it became a career.

During his younger years, Jared encountered many people living with cancer, but one interaction during graduate school stayed with him. While working with a man diagnosed with leukemia who was trying to regain physical strength, Jared found himself drawn not just to the clinical side of care, but to the emotional weight his patient carried.

“Something about that interaction made me curious about what life was like for him,” Jared shared. “Specifically, the emotional turmoil people face. I wanted to understand what that feels like.”

That curiosity grew into a calling, one rooted in empathy, presence, and the desire to walk with people through one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.

A guide through a complex journey

As an oncology nurse navigator at AdventHealth Porter, Jared’s primary goal is simple but powerful: connect with patients as early as possible.

“The sooner I can get involved in their care, the better,” he explained. “The earlier the connection, the more supported the patient feels.”

Each day, Jared reviews schedules to identify patients coming in for their first oncology consultation. After they meet with their physician, he introduces himself, explains his role, and begins building a relationship that often lasts throughout their cancer journey. From there, he coordinates imaging, port placement, procedures, and treatment timelines - ensuring care moves forward smoothly and with clarity.

Once patients know Jared, they know they have a trusted point person.

“After we’ve connected in person, patients are much more likely to reach out,” he said. “That’s when the relationship really grows.”

Easing fear in the earliest days

A cancer diagnosis often brings an immediate surge of fear and anxiety - something Jared sees every day.

“Time is of the essence with cancer,” he said. “We often see patients within days of diagnosis, even while they’re still emotionally processing what just happened.”

Patients are suddenly faced with appointments, tests, procedures, and complex information, all at once. Jared’s role becomes especially critical during this phase.

“Up front, my role is huge,” he shared. “I help patients make sense of what needs to happen next. Once treatment begins and there’s a schedule, people often regain a sense of control.”

For many, simply knowing they are not navigating the system alone makes all the difference.

Collaboration that makes care whole

Jared describes himself as a relationship builder - not just with patients, but with team members across the hospital.

“I don’t have all the answers,” he said. “But I know who does.”

From physicians and nurses to imaging, procedural teams, and support services, Jared works closely with departments across AdventHealth Porter to ensure seamless, whole-person care.

“Porter has a very collaborative culture,” he shared. “Every aspect of patient care involves other people stepping in to help, and that culture makes my role possible.”

The privilege of bearing witness

What Jared finds most rewarding about his work is also what makes it challenging.

“I get to work with people going through one of the biggest battles of their lives,” he said. “There are so many emotions that come with the cancer journey. Not everyone gets to witness that every day.”

He approaches that responsibility with gratitude and humility, recognizing how vulnerable this season is for patients and families.

“I’m thankful for the patients who allow me in during that time,” he shared.

Caring for others and himself

Supporting patients through cancer requires emotional presence and boundaries.

“I have a limited amount of investment I can give to my patients, my spouse, my kids, family, and friends,” Jared reflected. “I’ve had to learn where those boundaries are so I don’t burn myself out.”

Staying grounded means being honest with himself about his capacity and remembering the role he plays - walking alongside patients, not carrying the journey for them.

Advice for supporting a loved one with cancer

For friends and family members unsure how to help someone newly diagnosed, Jared offers reassurance.

“We tend to overthink this,” he said. “There are no set rules. Just continue to show up.”

He encourages loved ones not to shy away out of fear of saying the wrong thing.

“Be who you were before,” he said. “That authenticity matters more than finding the perfect words.”

What keeps him coming back each day

At the heart of Jared’s work is connection.

“I’m motivated by the relationships I get to build,” he said. “Having someone to help along the way brings comfort during an emotionally overwhelming time.”

While he has never lived with cancer himself, Jared draws on the experiences of the many patients he has walked beside knowing there is no single roadmap for how people cope.

“We all handle stress differently,” he said. “There’s no guidebook but I can help people adjust and find their footing.”

Through compassion, coordination, and quiet presence, Jared Ediger embodies the heart of oncology navigation at AdventHealth Porter - helping patients feel seen, supported, and never alone as they move through the unknown.